AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“People drift apart.”
“No. That’s not what happened. You two went from being attached at the hip to not even speaking. I never understood why. And anytime I tried to speak with you, you’d bite my head off, so I stopped.” Gale’s hand tightens around his glass. “I should’ve pushed, but you were my big brother, and I deferred to your judgment.”
“And you don’t now?” I snap.
“I’m old enough to realize something went terribly wrong.” Gale turns and meets my gaze. His brown eyes blaze with anger. “And I think I’m owed an explanation.”
“That’s between me and –.”
“No.” Law’s voice is distorted with anger. “You guys were attached at the hip. She was like the big sister I never had. When you decided to cold turkey her, you affected more than just you.”
“She wanted things I couldn’t give her.” I look down, unable to hold his gaze.
“Not good enough,” Gale says.
“I was seventeen, and she was fourteen. Do you know what could’ve happened to me?”
“What the hell did you do?” Law whispers. The pain and confusion in my baby brother’s voice break me.
“Nothing. But barely.” It feels good to share my shame. “I- I wanted to so badly. You know I never deny her much. And this wasn’t any different. It felt right.” I close my eyes. “More right than anything ever has. And that terrified me. I knew if I didn’t remove the temptation altogether, I’d do something we’d both regret.”
“You selfish son of a bitch. Did you ever bother her to tell her any of this?”
“N-no.”
“Did you have sex with her?” Gale asks.
“God, no.” I shake my head. “I just…. We messed around.”
“And then you just left her feeling used and confused.” Law’s face twists into a mask of disgust.
“I’m not a predator—.”
“No, you’re a stupid asshole. We could all see how head over heels you two were. Why would anyone step in and break you up? All you had to do was keep it in your pants until you were legal, not implode your relationship.” Gale huffs.
“It was the right thing.”
Law slaps the bar rattling the drinks and drawing attention. “You might lie to yourself, but I won’t let you do that to us. God. I knew you owed her an apology, but now you should get on your knees and beg her forgiveness.”
“I was protecting her—.”
“From what?” Gale refuses to back down.
“Me. Okay? Me. I was a fucking monster from the moment she parted her sweet lips and let my tongue inside. She was the best thing I had ever tasted, and I knew I’d never get enough. The shit I wanted, she couldn’t give. Not at that age.”
“Jesus Christ.” Law places a hand over his face.
“I wanted to own everything about her. I saved her from being shackled to me before she had a chance to get out into the world and figure out what the fuck she wanted. Because I couldn’t live with breaking her spirit or destroying those big dreams she had. I did it for her. The same way I did everything else.”
“She should know that,” Gale insists.
“Why drag all that back up?” I look up at the ceiling.
“For one, your son’s already half in love with her, and you deserve some peace yourself. She’s not going anywhere. Grinning and bearing it until she leaves is no longer an option. Mom is serious about selling,” Law adds.
My head snaps up. “She told you?”
“Yes, you better get your ass in gear and get on board. Mom’s earned the right to slow down and enjoy her retirement. We all love Pages, but it’ll be left in good hands this way. You can’t ask for better than that,” Gale squeezes my shoulder gently.
